Jurgen Klopp says Liverpool have an ‘exceptional’ 18-year-old coming through the ranks

Add as preferred source on Google

Jurgen Klopp has praised the impact of 18-year-old Stefan Bajcetic on the Liverpool first team this season.

Bajcetic came from virtually nowhere to make 19 appearances for the senior team in 2022/23. With his calmness on the ball and fearlessness in the tackle, the Spaniard won plenty of admirers in an unexpected breakout campaign.

So, when Klopp was asked during his pre-Southampton press conference to name the best young player at Liverpool, it was no surprise he picked Bajcetic.

“From the very young ones I think Stefan is the standout player,” said the manager. “He was absolutely exceptional [this season]. Played like a man. Unfortunately a kids body, that caught him, if you want. But anyway, the signs he gave us are super, super promising.”

Having been missing with an injury since March, Liverpool will be hopeful of having the young man back fit and ready for pre-season.

Klopp sends Bajcetic reminder

In the midst of Liverpool’s worst form of the season, Bajcetic was a real shining light. Cast your minds back to January, February time, and it was a truly depressing time to be a Red.

Heavy defeats away to Brentford, Brighton and Wolves suggested that Liverpool’s hopes of European finish were nothing more than a pipe dream.

Disjointed performance followed disjointed performance. Previously world-class players looked a shadow of their former selves. Games were being heavily lost, and without Alisson Becker’s heroics, would have been lost by far more.

But in amongst all of that, young Bajcetic found himself. Thrust in as a result of injuries and the strength of his own promising cameos, the teenager quickly became one of the first names on the team sheet.

That he started the Champions League first-leg tie against Real Madrid Anfield said everything. Bajcetic had arrived.

As Liverpool contemplate their midfield rebuild this summer, they simply have to factor the young Spaniard into it. He didn’t just look like a promising prospect across the games he played this season, he looked like a genuine starting option.

With Liverpool improving towards the end of the season, it’s a shame we didn’t get to see Bajcetic involved in that. But rest assured, this young man’s best days are ahead of him. And they’ll be spent at Liverpool.